Will It Paint?: Master Alan’s Fireplace Gunk/Spinel Black

A little while ago, Master Alan here in Calontir told me that he had some sort of black powder stuff that he got from cleaning the fireplace/forge and asked if I wanted some to see if it would paint. Completed Master Alan's Fireplace Gunk paint. I said yes, and during the long weekend, I played … Continue reading Will It Paint?: Master Alan’s Fireplace Gunk/Spinel Black

Omphaloskepsis: In Defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The SCA can be a wonderful, transformative organization, teaching others medieval arts, courtesy, and other skills that can affect not only their in-game life, but their world outside of the organization. However, like any modern organization that contains people, the SCA has a DEI puzzle to solve. When studying the medieval world, its class systems … Continue reading Omphaloskepsis: In Defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Volunteer Retention in the SCA

People are far more willing to give if they are invested but not abused; cherished, but not made a pawn; loved for who they are while also giving them space to find ways to grow and learn. Don't badger people for why they don't have awards or things you think they need, but be willing to make space for them to figure things out on their own. As long as it's not destructive, harmful, or hateful, let people be.

Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works

With the interest in heraldry growing from the funeral of QEII, there's something I've noticed a lot of lately from folks outside of the SCA, and that is (mostly Americans) not understanding how heraldry works. So, you know those heraldic shops at cultural festivals and renaissance faires and occasionally the mall? You know, the ones … Continue reading Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works